Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Sofia, nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, is home to Bulgaria's entire international school community and offers families an unusually affordable European capital experience. The city blends Ottoman, Soviet-era, and modern architecture with a thriving café culture, extensive green spaces, and easy access to ski resorts and Black Sea beaches within a few hours' drive. International schools here range from long-established institutions like the American College of Sofia, founded in 1860, to newer British and IB-focused campuses that have opened as the expat population has grown. Families typically find that Sofia's compact size, reliable public transport, and walkable neighbourhoods make the school run straightforward, while the city's international restaurants and cultural scene ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
Compare 14 international schools in Sofia, Bulgaria. Filter by curriculum, fees (average BGN 13,223), location, and more to find the right international school now.
American English Academy offers a U.S. standards-based program from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, with instruction in English. The curriculum follows U.S. Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and mathematics and includes literacy in history, science, and technical subjects. The program is organized by grade level, with core courses in English, math, science, and social studies, plus electives in Art, Music, IT, and Physical Education, and after-school activities. An optional Dual Language Program for Bulgarian students (Pre-school to Grade 12) is taught in Bulgarian and English and provides double certification after each grade, aligning with both U.S. and Bulgarian standards. The school is an official AP center; students may prepare for up to five AP exams during high school. Founded in 1992 by Frank and Ruth Munsey, AEA serves about 200 students from more than 35 countries. In 2014 a new campus outside Sofia opened, earning the Building of the Year Award. The Lozen campus covers 7,400 square meters, with Promethean Smartboards, a modern library, an on-site cafeteria, and a Green Policy. Extracurriculars include Winter Musical Production, International Culture Week, Science Fair, Spelling Bee, and the AEA Science Journal. Markan Holding AD has owned the school since 2015.
Discover International School in Sofia, Bulgaria, offers an IB continuum anchored in Montessori principles for ages 1 to 18. Preschool through Grade 12 spans Primary (1–4), Middle Years (5–10) and High School (11–12). The school provides IB PYP, MYP and DP, with the Diploma available in Grade 11. As a flagship institution of the Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated with AMI, it blends Montessori methods with IB inquiry-based learning. The school operates on two Sofia campuses, with core hours 8:00 am–4:30/5:00 pm and Extended Day to 5:30 pm. A licensed kitchen serves a nutritionally balanced menu. Students engage in daily outdoor activity year-round—nature walks, park and mountain trips, and seasonal camps. Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian diploma, supporting access to universities worldwide. The MAGIC Programme fosters leadership and global collaboration. Languages are a strength, with English and Bulgarian instruction supporting multilingualism. Its bilingual environment supports learners.
Uwekind International School is a private IB World School in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving students aged 3 to 18. It offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum—Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme—across Kindergarten/Preschool through Grade 12. The Primary Years Programme aligns with the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) for early years, with IB curricula in the later years. Graduates may earn both the IB Diploma and a Bulgarian national diploma. The Career-related Programme is in candidate status and the school is pursuing IB authorization. The school is licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. Founded in 1997, Uwekind educates more than 500 children in Sofia. Signature activities include UweSPORT sports teams, UweARTS arts and dance workshops, UwePROJECTS cross‑age clubs and UweCLUBS projects, plus annual Uwekind CAMPS. These offerings foster teamwork, creativity and civic-mindedness, while clubs cover academic, cultural, service and wellbeing themes across the primary to secondary years.
The American College of Sofia is a preparatory school offering American, Bulgarian Diploma, and IB pathways. English is language of instruction for ages 13–18. In grades 9–10 Bulgarian and international students share the ACS framework; grades 11–12 Bulgarian students pursue the Bulgarian Diploma Programme with advanced profiles, while international students enter the IB Diploma Programme. International students completing ACS coursework and the CAS portfolio can earn the American High School Diploma alongside the IB. The IB Diploma Programme has been offered since 2005. Bulgarian Diploma Profiles cover Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship, with advanced courses and a 75-hour CAS portfolio requirement. The campus includes seven academic buildings, 62 classrooms, four computer labs, three science labs, Gipson Library, Jim Clayton Writing Center, a 380-seat theater, and an 180-seat concert hall. There are over 120 clubs, including Robotics, 3D Printing, and TEDxYouth@ACSofia.
Anglo-American School of Sofia is a Pre-K through 12 international school serving students aged 3–18. The High School core is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), delivered in English, with a comprehensive AAS High School Diploma pathway. The Pre-K–12 program is bespoke and emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on, experiential learning, aligned to CCSS, NGSS, CEFR, and other standards. In Elementary, Bulgarian, French, and Spanish are offered as world languages, with EAL support as needed. The campus sits on about 8 hectares near Mount Vitosha, with most land preserved as green space, and features a 350-seat Rila Renaissance Centre theatre, a large on-site library with over 30,000 titles, and CEESA- and ECIS-affiliated athletics and arts programs. The school holds CIS and NEASC accreditation, is an IB World School, and operates LEED-design buildings with water recycling, solar hot water, and a wastewater treatment plant. Extracurriculars include robotics, MUN, debate, drama, community service, and service projects.
Cosmos International School offers a Cambridge curriculum from preschool to upper secondary, including Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and options for A‑Levels or IB Diploma. The school serves ages 3 to 18 and uses English‑medium instruction alongside Bulgarian language studies. In Primary, students study Cambridge Primary English, Cambridge Primary Mathematics, Cambridge Primary Science and Art & Design, with Bulgarian language and literacy; additional languages include German, Spanish, Russian and Italian. Lower Secondary (grades 5–7) covers Cambridge English, Mathematics, Science, Art & Design, Digital Literacy and ICT, plus Bulgarian language, History and Civilization, Geography, Chemistry, Physics and Biology, with sports, theatre, yoga, gardening and camps; German, Spanish, Russian and Italian remain available. Upper Secondary (grades 8–12) centers on IGCSE, with pathways to IB or A‑Levels; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and ICT, with Wellbeing and options like Economics, Travel and Tourism and Foreign Languages. Curriculum runs across ages.
Meridian 22 High School is a private, English-language institution in Bulgaria offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside a bespoke curriculum for students aged 2 to 18. The school joined the IB in 2009/2010 and is among fourteen cohorts to graduate IB diplomas, alongside Bulgarian high school diplomas. The maximum IB score is 45. In 2024 Meridian 22 moved to a four-story building (1500 sq m) and a renovated campus (3000 sq m) with six-decare yard in an ecologically clean area; the campus houses a library with over 10,000 volumes in English, Bulgarian, and other languages, multimedia-equipped classrooms, a laboratory, spacious canteen, and on-site medical care and speech therapist. The school offers intensive English from preschool to Grade 12 and runs two-week UK language trips through Saint Andrew's College partnership. It hosts a Science Fair and clubs such as Cooking Club, InterAct Club, and music and dance activities for students.
Victor Hugo Lycée Français de Sofia is a French AEFE-conventionné school in Sofia serving ages 2 to 18, under the Embassy of France. Founded in 1966, it educates about 800 pupils from maternelle to terminale, with most teaching by French staff and Bulgarian specialists where needed. It follows the French national curriculum, including the three-year nouveau lycée; students progress from 2nde to 1ère and terminale, selecting three specialty subjects in 1ère and two in terminale for the Baccalauréat. A language-focused approach integrates the host-country language for all students and promotes English and other languages in a multicultural setting. The academic life centers on the Centre for Knowledge and Culture (3C), a library and knowledge hub with databases and a librarian to support information literacy and autonomous learning. Facilities include a Furisto-run restaurant, daycare and holiday camps, and a Sports Association offering badminton, basketball and tennis (NSA venues). The school runs a multilingual web radio and a program of after-school clubs.
Darbi College Sofia is a Cambridge International school at 58 Rakovski Street in Sofia, Bulgaria, offering the Cambridge pathway for students aged 14 to 18—from Reception through IGCSE and A Levels. IGCSE is offered for 14–16 with a range of subjects and assessment methods (written, oral, practical) and leads to Cambridge International AS and A Levels. The A Level program is typically two years; AS Levels are typically one year. All subjects except Bulgarian Language are taught in English. The Reception year develops English and Bulgarian fluency, maths and ICT skills, science knowledge, and critical thinking under a Personal Tutor, with continuous assessment (75%) and a final exam (25%). The campus has dedicated classrooms and science facilities and supports extracurricular activities, including annual charity campaigns for the local community. Founded as Bulgaria's first British Sixth-form college, Darbi College has established strong Cambridge ties and provides private tuition for Oxbridge and other admission tests.
Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten is an American-owned international school based in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving students aged 4 to 14. The curriculum blends American standards with IB frameworks across Elementary and Middle levels, plus a Bespoke curriculum. In Elementary, core subjects follow the American Common Core while pursuing alignment with the IB Primary Years Programme through project-based learning that emphasizes social-emotional development. In Middle School, the program uses Common Core within the IB Middle Years Programme and features community-based projects to apply learning beyond the classroom. The school focuses on 21st-century teaching techniques and practical education, including budgeting and basic DIY projects to prepare students for high school and beyond. Facilities include technology-enabled classrooms and access to state-of-the-art equipment, digital tools, and e-learning resources that support a technology-rich learning environment. A diverse student body and tutoring options accompany a culture of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange and belonging.
St. George International School & Preschool is a private international school in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving children from age 2 to 18. The curriculum blends Cambridge International Education for Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A Levels with Edexcel IGCSE and AP options, while aligning with Bulgaria's State Educational Standards. English and Bulgarian are the official languages, with ESL and Bulgarian as a Second Language support to strengthen language development. Since 2016 the school has operated from a central Sofia site covering about 24,385 square metres, designed for contemporary learning, arts and sport. Facilities include over 90 classrooms, science and humanities spaces, libraries, two school gyms, an indoor pool, a large performing arts hall, an 827-square-metre event area, and medical rooms. Extracurriculars span sport, arts, robotics and coding, and cultural activities. Leadership and career guidance are supported by a Student Council and Duke of Edinburgh, with university destination planning and community ties.
The British School of Sofia is a British international day school with three campuses (two in Sofia and one in Plovdiv) and IB World School status. It serves ages 2 to 18 and uses IEYC in Early Years, Cambridge Primary Programme, Cambridge IGCSE, IMYC, IB PYP, DP and CP, plus IBCP. English is the language of instruction with EAL support; Bulgarian is offered as a native language option, and IB language options include English, Bulgarian, French among others. The school opened in 2009; moved to newly built premises in 2019; in summer 2025 construction began on a new campus to expand facilities. Facilities include a Main Building since 2019 with a wide multifunctional sports field, a Primary School playground, well-lit classrooms, interactive whiteboards, audio systems; a new science lab, MAC Lab and Windows Lab; Robotics Room and Lego Room; Art Room; gym; large hall; library; iPads for every student. Active after-school clubs.
Zlatarski International School of Sofia offers an integrated international curriculum for students aged 11 to 18. English is the language of instruction. The school blends the Bulgarian national programme with Cambridge Secondary, IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme, and also provides A Levels for senior students. The three-stage structure runs Cambridge Secondary (grades 5–8), IGCSE (grades 9–10), and International Baccalaureate or A Levels (grades 11–12). Graduates receive both the Bulgarian Diploma and an international qualification. The school is fully authorised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the IBO and Cambridge Assessment International Education; IB World School since 2003 and Cambridge International School since 2010. Founded in 1995 as an English-language secondary school, it operates across two buildings in Darvenitsa, Sofia, with laboratories, a library, computer facilities, a gym, and outdoor sports fields. Extracurriculars span sports, arts and drama, and community service, including exchanges, global events and charitable campaigns for students.
Deutsche Schule Sofia is a German-Bulgarian joint school in Sofia serving ages 5 to 18 with the German Curriculum. The school offers grades 1–12 under the German general education system, and preschool for three- to six-year-olds. Instruction in German follows German curricula and standards; after twelve years students take the Abitur, enabling access to higher education in Germany and Bulgaria. Bulgarian-speaking students study Bulgarian language and literature, history, and geography under adapted Bulgarian curricula. The Ministry of Education coordinates oversight, and the school is operated by the Association of Parents of the German-Bulgarian Encounter School Sofia. Facilities include a library, biology and chemistry rooms, a computer room, an art room, a music room, a canteen, and a school staff room, plus on-site preschool and a schoolyard. The school maintains a digital concept and runs iPad-based teaching. Distinctive programs include Erasmus+ exchanges, Model United Nations, and a November conference held annually.
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